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Protein Bar & Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Protein Bar & Kitchen
7.6
Protein Bar & Kitchen’s River North location is a health-focused fast-casual stop where bowls, açaí, wraps, and smoothies can all be built vegan with plant-based proteins. Regulars use it for quick, macro-friendly meals before work, between meetings, or after the gym.
Must-Try Dishes:
AM Mexicali Bowl, Morning Mexicali Bar-rito, Triple Berry Acai Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A long-running Chicago-born mini-chain where vegan bowls, shakes, and açaí are built for speed and macros.
Who should go: Office workers and gym-goers wanting fast, customizable vegan meals.
When to visit: Weekday breakfast or lunch windows for the full grab-and-go flow.
What to order: AM Mexicali Bowl, Morning Mexicali Bar-rito, Triple Berry Acai Bowl with plant protein.
Insider tip: Use the app and grab outdoor seating for the fastest in-and-out lunch on busy days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily paid street parking and nearby garages; metered spots can be limited during weekday lunch rush.
Dress code: Casual and gym-friendly — athleisure, office wear, and workout clothes are all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversational during most hours, slightly louder at peak lunch times.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait — traffic is lighter outside of weekday office hours.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak (5–10 minutes), but orders move quickly due to counter-service pacing.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most bowls, wraps, and açaí builds can be made vegetarian by swapping proteins or sauces.
Vegan options: Yes — multiple customizable vegan builds with plant-based proteins and dairy-free smoothies.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be made gluten-free with substitutions; bowls are the safest bet compared to wraps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date — it’s a fast-casual, order-at-the-counter setup better suited for quick meals or casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; tables turn quickly during lunch but availability is generally good.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who like smoothies and bowls; seating is simple and there are no dedicated kid amenities or play areas.
Best For
Better for: Fast, macro-friendly vegan meals with clear nutrition focus — great for office workers, gym-goers, and routine weekday lunches.
Skip if: You want a leisurely sit-down meal, chef-driven vegan cooking, or a destination restaurant experience.
Hours
Monday7am - 7pm
Tuesday7am - 7pm
Wednesday7am - 7pm
Thursday7am - 7pm
Friday7am - 5pm
Saturday8am - 3pm
Sunday8am - 3pm